From mum-duty glam to ultra-dark tan, Victoria Beckham’s best WAG beauty looks from the World Cup 2006
A reminder of just iconic Posh was in Baden-Baden, 20 years ago
Who knows what the 2026 World Cup will hold for England, but one thing seems certain – they will never recapture the magic of 20 years ago. Not their valiant, oh-so-close efforts to end 40 years of hurt, but the glorious parade that accompanied the team to Germany. A glossy posse of women that stiletto-stamped the acronym WAG into the national consciousness, headed by none other than Victoria Beckham.
Posh Spice was the Queen Bee of Baden-Baden, the spa town where the footballers’ wives and girlfriends set up camp while their ‘golden generation’ partners took on the world. (Sensibly, manager Sven-Göran Eriksson stationed his players at a separate hotel in the Black Forest, a few miles away.)
While England’s hopes ended in penalties and heartbreak against Portugal on 1 July, the previous three weeks had seen the most extraordinary daily side-show of WAGs shopping, partying, sight-seeing and sunbathing in between cheering on their team. Generally in the teeniest tops they could find, having the times of their lives.
Victoria was joined by fellow pop star Cheryl, Coleen Rooney (then McLoughlin) and Abbey Clancy, to name but a few of the ladies providing daily dream fodder for the paparazzi. Her two eldest children, Brooklyn and Romeo, also came along for the ride – in adorable mini Daddy kits, of course.
The 2006 World Cup might not be the highlight of Victoria’s own photo album but 20 years on, Baden-Baden will always epitomise one of Posh’s most iconic beauty eras. Here are some of the best moments from that golden time.
The star striker
A tanned, toned Victoria leading the WAGs into action on a girls’ night out in Baden-Baden. She's flanked by up-and-comers such as Coleen Rooney, Louise Owen and Elen Rivas, but nobody can touch that blow-dry.
The WAG French
Life as an England supporter involves a lot of watching the game through your fingers, and clasping hands to the mouth in shock. Luckily, Victoria had a sturdy acrylic French mani to see her through those nail-biting moments
The power couple
Having two of the world's biggest pop stars in the WAG crew made for some unforgettable photos – particularly when Victoria and Cheryl appear to have found a great ‘two-for-one’ deal on honey highlights in a Baden-Baden hair salon.
The deep tan
It was reported that the WAGS forked out £10,000 to fly a team of beauticians from Fake Bake tanning to top up their fading colour. It’s not known whether Victoria was one of those who stumped up the cash and donned the paper pants – but judging by her ultra-deep colour here, we wouldn’t bet against it.
Yummy mummy moments
The WAG posse stayed at the Brenners Park hotel, which was deluged by photographers to the point that a privacy screen had to be swiftly erected around the pool to protect the sunbathing beauties and their families. However, we did get a glimpse of Victoria’s off-duty hotel glam, as she read a picture book to a clearly entranced Romeo and Beckham
Happy times. And yes, we have a lump in the throat, too.
Victoria looked just as fabulous when she took the boys to cheer on David – clad in red and white, of course.
Colour coordination
Victoria was already the queen of not too matchy-matchy in Baden-Baden, pairing red heels, bag and dress but swerving the coordinated manicure. Keeping it classy since 2006.
The perfect pout
Back when Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Gloss was merely a mouth-water on Mummy’s lips, Victoria clearly had a taste for the shiniest of pouts.
The crispy curl era
Remember the days when you’d just learned how to curl your hair with your GHDs, but hadn’t thought about brushing them through afterwards? Here is that era summed up in a photo that will doubtless have Posh itching to rake her fingers through her hair these days.
The shady lady
It’s reported that Victoria packed 60 pairs of sunglasses to Baden-Baden. We certainly saw a few pairs coming off the bench for those stadium games, making a swift 1-2 with her signature pout.
Triumphant in defeat
The dream was over on 1 July when England lost on penalties, but at least Posh had her manicure in perfect condition to lend a comforting hand to David who limped off injured just after half time. The beautiful game, indeed.
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